The Zuiderzee is irrevocably linked to the period in Dutch history called the Golden Age: the period in the 17th century when Holland was a powerful seafaring and trading nation. The Golden Circle will lead you along the shores of the Zuiderzee, through Holland’s rich history, and its beautiful countryside.

Dotted around the Zuiderzee are towns whose names were household words in both hemispheres: Monnickendam, Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Vollenhove, Harderwijk and of course Amsterdam at the center of the web, all bearing witness to their rich pasts. Find out about the way people lived in 1930 at the Zuiderzee museum in Enkhuizen. Crafts typical of the time are practised in this open-air museum, and houses, boats and costumes can be admired. Sail across the former Zuiderzee, discover the peat and swamp areas of the Wieden and visit the seals and sea lions show at the Dolphinarium in Harderwijk.

In the space of a week you will encounter different landscapes, learn all about the rich history of Holland and encounter dolphins, walrusse and seals. Back in Amsterdam you can visit a real VOC-ship and learn how sailors lived in the Golden Age.

Highlights:

Zuiderzeemuseum

National Park De Weerribben

Giethoorn

Dolphinarium

The route from day to day
sat		Amsterdam, embarkation at 2 PM near Central Station, sailing to Hoorn
sun		Hoorn – Enkhuizen, 27 km; special programme at the   Zuiderzeemuseum
mon		Sailing to Vollenhove, childrens activity in Visitor center de Wieden
tue		Vollenhove, round trip Giethoorn/Weerribben, 45, boat trip at the Weerribben
wed		Vollenhove, sailing to Roggebotsluis; biking to Harderwijk, 45 km (it is possible to shorten the route)
thu		Dolphinarium, sailing to Spakenburg
fri		Spakenburg – Amsterdam, 47 km
sat		Amsterdam, debarkation before 10 AM near Central Station
1 km = 0,62 miles